Students at Samoa College will return to school to a much better gate thanks to the Samoa College Old Pupils Association (S.C.O.P.A.).

The $21,000 project is Phase 1 of the gate works which is ongoing.

The opening of phase one was attended by Executive members of S.C.O.P.A. and the Principal of Samoa College, Auava Rimoni Reupena.

It was blessed by Samoa College Old Pupil, Lealaiauloto Simon Potoi, with the ribbon cut by Tagaloa Sharon Aiafi.

S.C.O.P.A. President, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, said the project is part of ongoing development works by the Association to improve the school facilities.

He said it was significant to have Lealaiauloto bless the project as he was the President of the Committee who worked on the old gate. 

“The old gate had served the college very well over the years but it was time for a change,” Lealailepule said. 

“With the old gate, it was only one-lane traffic.”

The new gate now allows for two-way flow of traffic. 

“With the increase in the school roll comes the increasing number in terms of vehicles that enter the school so this is why the Association and the school managament decided to fix this during the holidays so that when the students return, it is fixed and completed,” Lealailepule said.

The President acknowledged everyone who contributed to the funding for the project.

“We couldn’t have done anything without your support, thank you so much,” he said.